India
oi-Ashish Rana
Rahul Gandhi has not targeted newly appointed Education Minister Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday after accusing him of defending Bilkis Bano rape case convicted and also questioned PM Modi’s decision for giving him Education Ministry. This comment from Opposite leader came after Pralhad Joshi was appointed Education Minister replacing Dharmendra Pradhan. His resignation came after a long nation-wide protest against NEET paper leak.
Rahul Gandhi questioned PM Modi’s decision to appoint Pralhad Joshi as Education Minister, citing Joshi’s past remarks defending Bilkis Bano case convicts; Priyanka Gandhi echoed criticism, while BJP denied the allegations.
Rahul Gandhi Targets PM Over Ministerial Appointment
While speaking to the media outside Parliament, Rahul Gandhi said that Pralhad Joshi had supported the convicts in Bilkis Bano case and also targeted that this kind of person should not look at the India’s Education system.
“The BJP puts a man who is a defender of rapists. That is the most filthy type of man. There can be no filthier man than somebody who says that rapists need protection. That is the Education Minister of India today,” Gandhi said.
He also questioned why PM Modi decided to go with Pralhad Joshi name to choose him as Education Minister.
“It’s a strange reaction from the PM. There are so many people in his Cabinet, he could have chosen anyone of them. But he chooses a person who protects rapists. Quite amazing,” Gandhi added.
Priyanka Gandhi Raises Bilkis Bano Case in Lok Sabha
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi also earlier targeted Pralhad Joshi’s appointment as Education Minister, while referring to Bilkis Bano case, she said, “The Prime Minister appointed a new Education Minister, a person who expressed consent and even happiness over the release of those convicted of raping a pregnant woman.”
Noticeably, Bilkis Bano has been a politically sensitive case and it became nationwide debate when 11 convicts in this case granted remission. However, later in 2024, Supreme Court overruled the verdict.
BJP Rejects Allegations, Demands Apology
BJP MP and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has strongly criticised the statement of Priyanka Gandhi and said that she did character assassination of Pralhad Joshi.
“This amounts to character assassination within Parliament, and we do not expect such language. These statements should be expunged from the record. Such language should not be used. She should apologise to the House,” Rijiju said.
Even Pralhad Joshi denied these allegations and challenged Priyanka Gandhi to claim what she is alleging.
“Priyanka ji should have authenticated her statements. Action should be taken regarding the misinformation being spread. Can one simply say anything and get away with it?” Joshi said.
He added, “I refute these allegations. She should be expelled and must apologise.”
